Jennifer Austin

Cowan, TN

My name is Jennifer Austin, I am 29 years old and am from Cowan, Tennessee. In September of 2006 I was involved in a tragic hit and run car accident that changed my life forever, resulting in a spinal cord injury at the cervical 5-6 level making me quadriplegic and wheelchair bound for life. I refused to give up then and continue with the same outlook now. I feel I’m not only a hometown hero but also a fighter and a survivor!

In 2009, I left my family and moved over an hour away to attend Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where I was attending college at the time of my accident. Pursuing my education is what led me to take my fist BIG step in gaining back the independence that I lost. Little did I know this would be one of the best and most influential decisions I ever made. With hard work I successfully completed my Bachelors and Masters degree and as of December 2014, I began working as an Academic Advisor for the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at MTSU. I assist students in developing meaningful educational goals that are consistent with personal interests, values and abilities. I hope first and foremost to inspire students while giving back to the University that helped me to find my purpose again!

In March of 2015 my family and I suffered another tragic event when my father died suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders and couldn’t wait for me to take the last step to full independence and begin driving. However, a new van is financially impossible. My current mode of transportation is a 97 Dodge Grand Caravan that is not equipped to drive and constantly breaking down and needing repairs, making getting to work safely a constant concern.

My cousin recently started a Go Fund Me account on my behalf. If I am lucky enough to win I will use all the money that has been donated to do the repairs my van desperately needs and donate it to a local family in need. My community has given me an enormous amount of support, prayers, love and encouragement since the time of my accident and I feel this is a good way to give back.

Winning this van would be life changing. Please give me this opportunity and vote for me!

VOTING ACTIVE

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding mobility options for people with disabilities. The organization promotes and supports members engaged in the modification of quality transportation and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Over 600 international members work to provide safe and reliable adapted transportation solutions to help build the road to independence. Transportation is the key to freedom and NMEDA is the key to quality transportation.